Still time for prime eagle watching in Whatcom County

Eagle watchers continue to see dozens of the majestic raptors as they gather in Whatcom and Skagit counties to feed on carcasses of salmon that died following their spawning runs.

Skagit River Bald Eagle Interpretive Center in Rockport will be open 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays through January, when bald eagle numbers start to dwindle. Admission is free, but donations are accepted.

Guided walks are offered at 11 a.m. Saturdays and Sundays. Find a list of presentations at the center’s web site, http://skagiteagle.org/wordpress or call 360-853-7626. The center is in Howard Miller Steelhead County Park, 52809 Rockport Park Road, Rockport. Take Highway 20 east to Rockport and turn right on Alfred Street.

In Whatcom County, best viewing is on the north fork of the Nooksack River near the Mosquito Lake Road bridge, just south of the Mount Baker Highway intersection; at Deming Homestead Eagle Park; and along Rutsatz Road, east from the intersection of Highway 9. Be careful of traffic if walking on country roads, and obey parking regulations.

Robert Mittendorf

This story was originally published January 5, 2016 at 4:01 AM with the headline "Still time for prime eagle watching in Whatcom County."